SUPERVISING REMOTE STAFF CHRIS JEWETT SR FIELD MANAGER MAP

OVERVIEW DEFINITION OF REMOTE STAFF PROs/CONs BEST PRACTICES THINGS NOT TO DO GROUP DISCUSSION

DEFINITION Remote staff are personnel who work: from home an office located away from immediate supervisor an office not shared with other staff members not at a central designated location Two Types Those who work by themselves daily Those who come to a central location but then travel abroad to complete their work

BENEFITS OF REMOTE STAFF Can maintain a larger operational footprint Provides flexibility in completing tasks Lower overhead Provides flexibility in staff schedules Increased productivity Appealing to employees/Access to larger talent pool Less turnover Impacts more communities

CONs TO HAVING REMOTE STAFF Security concerns Lack of constant interaction and sharing Lack of sharing supplies & equipment Immediate recognition of good & bad

BEST PRACTICES Be the same type of supervisor Establish, communicate and maintain clear expectations Have several means of communication Prioritize your means of communication Utilize technology to fullest Have solid SOPs, tools and resources in place Have evaluation and training programs Understand your supervisory roles

BEST PRACTICES Maintain adequate in-person meetings Supervise via engagement vs policy driven Visually review work areas, work visits and trainings Utilize impromptu visits Be reliable, but not necessarily predictable Build team spirit Take a person interest in your staff Be consistent with evaluations and expectations

BEST PRACTICES Give praise and credit when earned Understand logistical and geographical constraints Utilize staff strengths for maximum production Be quick to identify deficiencies and taking action Maintain communications with agencies, project POCs and professionals Access deficiencies fairly Consistently provide feedback to staff

THINGS NOT TO DO Treat remote staff differently Leave staff to their own means Make assumptions Go long periods without visits or communication Ignore red flags/deficiencies Allow staff to become stale/stagnant Expect staff to use personal resources

GROUP DISCUSSION Review the items I presented, and have attendees provide additional ideas, resources, tools and programs Provide some scenarios to facilitate group discussion

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS ?